While Conor McGregor and Cub Swanson debated who had the better right to next face UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar was a forgotten third wheel.
Unfortunately for Swanson, and maybe Edgar, the former champ only got to fight once Saturday night in Austin.
With Edgar crushing his title hopes over the course of five rounds, Swanson sounded blindsided speaking to FOX Sports post-fight in Texas.
“Obviously it was super frustrating,” Swanson of his performance. “[Edgar] did what he had to do and he exposed me. I was super confident. I thought I prepared and obviously underprepared. I want to thank him for a lesson and I’m going to be better.”
Finding the night’s silver lining, Swanson said Edgar showed him exactly where he needs to refocus after being repeatedly taken down and pinned to the mat.
“He was able to expose it,” said Swanson. “I took this fight because I believed he was one of the best in the world at a lower weight class and I wanted to test myself. I’m getting up there in age and I wanted to see how bad I am. I know I took a beating but I was still hopeful all the way to the end.”
Edgar’s submission stoppage at 4:56 of round five earned him the distinction of the latest finish in UFC history, but Swanson said those four seconds just weren’t enough for him.
“He landed a lot of elbows on my jaw so my jaw was pretty tired. I kept turning, turning, turning and I was like, ‘He is not going to finish me. Nope.’ He cranked, my mouth was open and he cranked my jaw pretty hard. I don’t want a broken jaw again. I’ve lived through that so oh well.”
Admirably upbeat, Swanson reaffirmed that even professional boxing could still be in his future.
“Always,” said Swanson. “I want to test myself. I enjoy these things. If you want to be the best, sometimes you get the raw end of the deal. It’s life.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
‘Hardcore imaginings.’ Chuck Mindenhall explains how Metamoris wins even when it draws. “When Rory MacDonald got caught there for a minute he said he was going to let J.T. Torres break his arm, if that was the way it had to happen. This is man assured of a title shot in the UFC, waiting the winner of Robbie Lawler and Johny Hendricks, who was willing to throw it all away in a moment of pure competition. Because that’s what the thing is: Pure.”
‘I’ve done enough.’ Frankie Edgar calls for a UFC title shot after routing Cub Swanson.
‘I’m the right guy for the job nowadays.’ Nick Diaz wonders why he accepted fights in the past against ‘mediocre level opponents.’
‘He’s Bill Cosby — he shouldn’t have to take it.’ UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones doesn’t believe Bill Cosby is guilty of allegations of sexually assaulting more than 15 different women because he’s wealthy.
‘Not a chance.’ Luke Rockhold doesn’t think Jon Jones could ever beat Cain Velasquez.
MEDIA STEW
Highlights from Frankie Edgar vs. Cub Swanson.
Frankie Edgar’s post-fight Octagon interview.
UFC Fight Night: Austin’s post-fight press conference highlights. (Full presser here)
Ronda Rousey on who she’d like to face after Cat Zingano.
Manny Pacquiao: I’m ready to face Mayweather.
TTTHS.
Long watches.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Chris Algieri 13th Round post-fight review & analysis
TWEETS
Check out our pros react piece for instant reaction to UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson.
Victory lap.
What it’s all about! Nothing better than coming home to my babies! http://t.co/7SvmED5L66
– Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) November 23, 2014
Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I with them” Independente of victory or defeat the Lord’s name was glorified last night!
Mateus 18.20 – “Porque,onde estiverem dois ou três reunidos em meu nome, ai estou eu no meio deles”… http://t.co/x1kU4A3cgZ
– Edson Barboza (@EdsonBarbozaJR) November 23, 2014
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. @Torque1net @MMAInc @LexaniWheels
– Chico Camus (@KOMCamus) November 23, 2014
Austin is an awesome town! Enjoyed relaxing and walking around with my lady today! ?? pic.twitter.com/UGhBSQLBia
– Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) November 24, 2014
Thank you to all my fans and friends for all the support, also special thanks to @akajav & @dc_mma for helping me to get this win. @ufc #UFC
– Ruslan Magomedov (@MagomedovUFC) November 23, 2014
People may doubt me, but it’s those who believe in me that makes the grind worthwhile http://t.co/CiNWJN06iF pic.twitter.com/4RGLiqPQks
– Roger Narvaez (@Silverback316) November 24, 2014
Thank y’all so much for everything!! @vickiirvin: @JamesVickMMA congrats to the hard working Vick on his UFC win! 7-0! Proud of you!!
– James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) November 23, 2014
………and this is only the beginning!! pic.twitter.com/91TNuizSdq
– Paige Vanzant (@PAIGEVANZANT) November 24, 2014
Better luck next time.
I’m ok 🙂 I appreciate all the support. I’ll be back
– Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) November 23, 2014
All I can say is that I’m so GUTTED I’m sorry for all the people I let down
– Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) November 23, 2014
Have lost many times in my competitive careers but always learn and come back better. I’ll get back on track.
– Jared Rosholt (@JaredRosholt) November 23, 2014
Victory or Defeat.. Either way I’m Landing on my Feet. Stay Choppin @ufc @frog1john Thanks… http://t.co/Voq69KDO4O
– Dustin Ortiz (@DustinOrtizMMA) November 23, 2014
Post fight after we had a heart to heart 🙂 pic.twitter.com/nZk4pNIeOS
– ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) November 23, 2014
Got my eye knocked in the fight by a toe… It was blurry or black at times. Next time I promise I’ll fight… http://t.co/vPtNSWVMBS
– Joshua Copeland (@joshcuddlybear) November 23, 2014
Theres no shame in failure Im pouring my heart & soul into something I love, thats winning in my book.. I have more direction now than ever
– Bigslow (@LukeBarnatt) November 23, 2014
I am laying down in my Hotel-room and rethink the hole evening! What a day! Didn’t go the way i prefered, but in the end it’s a fistfight! I am so proud of my Fans and supporters all over Germany, USA and the world!
I would have never expected the Texan homecrowd to “booooh” their hometown favorite and cheer for me!
I am looking forward to go home but i am gratefull for all the new friends and fans from the States! Thanks to my Team and special thanks to Sascha!
Thanks GOD for everyday
Was für ein Abend! Ich bin grade auf meinem Hotelzimmer und fühle mich ein bischen leer! Es ist nicht ganz… http://t.co/O0UqZ3RtDE
– Nick Hein (@NickHeinMMA) November 23, 2014
Awrighhhtt last leg of the flight of too bad here I come HAWAII ??
– KailinCurran (@KailinCurran) November 24, 2014
Acabo de publicar una foto http://t.co/KVGE0Okhnf
– Juan Puig (@JuanFenixPuig) November 24, 2014
How bout the weather?
Meeting of the minds. Lots of respect for all here especially my good friend Mr. Silva. http://t.co/XCtN1TAS0r
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) November 21, 2014
Excellent.
@MetamorisPro having the chance to sweat with one of my heros.. Thank you Sakuraba pic.twitter.com/0Phszs8dmb
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) November 24, 2014
@RenzoGracieBJJ @MetamorisPro Thank you??
— Sakuraba39 Staff (@KS_SAKU39) November 24, 2014
With saku and apple http://t.co/vbSzQl5SYe pic.twitter.com/mh0Iu1f1Vj
— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) November 24, 2014
.@Rory_MacDonald came to engage at @MetamorisPro 5! || http://t.co/QozIzVRILg pic.twitter.com/2nkEJMCAzw
— Metamoris (@MetamorisPro) November 24, 2014
#Metamoris5 was awesome! An honor to see #Sakuraba & #RenzoGracie compete against each oth… http://t.co/pDPOGcQG53 pic.twitter.com/PRo3BYGhHV
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) November 23, 2014
Really?
For 13 years I have wanted to watch the @ufc in a bar. Tonight is finally that night!!! Cub vs Frankie… http://t.co/GDGibv2scn
— Dana White (@danawhite) November 23, 2014
Sounds good.
I was just randomly drug tested for the 1st time. Great for the sport.Out of comp testing coming to a home near you!
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) November 21, 2014
Very cool.
It’s official. I am a American citizen! Very proud of this moment, God bless America! !… http://t.co/iRxnWNCNE7
— Thiago Alves. (@ThiagoAlvesATT) November 21, 2014
Sweeeeden.
Countdown has started @ufc #thetimeisnow #ufcsweden http://t.co/tZ7qX9jClf
— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) November 23, 2014
This is crazy it gets dark at 3:30pm in Sweden! In Florida there’s plenty of sunlight and it’s warm!
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) November 23, 2014
Whoa.
99 problems but our skin ain’t 1 !!! @sergiopettis #teampettis… http://t.co/vJbuFib1Kc
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) November 24, 2014
ICYMI.
ok @SInowLIVE @ufc @TheNotoriousMMA, Conor wins. I don’t hit featherweights or shoeshine boys. Mouth off to @BrockLesnar fella, I’m injured.
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) November 21, 2014
Had bigger dumps after a salad @TheNotoriousMMA lad. U can hold @BrockLesnar‘s @WWE title while the big boys duke-it-out. Win @ufc title 1st
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) November 21, 2014
Phoney? @TheNotoriousMMA @BrockLesnar @WWE @ufc haha that last lad you ‘knocked-out’ went down on the breeze of a punch… #NeverConnected
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) November 21, 2014
Whereas you talk for a living son & we all know who’s ass @TheNotoriousMMA is kissing nightly. #LittleManBigChip
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) November 21, 2014
@WWESheamus I’ll whoop you at your own game, then we can toast a whiskey and talk about true fighting. Always remember #UFCAsRealAsItGets
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 21, 2014
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (Nov. 21-23 2014)
Josh Koscheck vs. Neil Magny at UFC 184
Marcus Brimage vs. Cody Garbrandt at UFC 182
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Jet”Streetfighter”Feds.
I don’t know about you guys, but I did NOT expect Frankie Edgar to dominate Cub Swanson the way he did. Besides Aldo, the only other contender I can see with enough wrestling chops, ability to maintain a frenetic pace, high output, endurance and explosiveness to hang with Edgar IS Chad Mendes.
I know when it comes to matching up rising contenders with those coming off a loss is rare and generally frowned upon, but hear me out on this. Why not match Mendes vs Edgar either around the same time or a month after McGregor/Siver (McG gets title shot with win), and match up Swanson with Bermudez? Aldo/Mendes 2 was exciting and so was Aldo/Edgar 1 so whoever wins gets a crack (again) or at least pair these two up later on (providing each of them wins again against opponents I can’t think to match them up against in the interim).
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
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